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About Upward Bound   Meet the Staff   Back to Upward Bound

How Does Upward Bound Work?

Upward Bound has two phases each year -- Academic Year Component and Summer Component. It also offers a special program, for seniors called the Bridge Component.

Academic Component (September-May)
The academic component includes:

  • Weekly tutoring and study sessions.
  • Twice-monthly meetings at Indiana Wesleyan University. These include academic instruction, testing, guest lectures, recreation, etc.
  • Cultural and educational trips, such as visits to other university campuses, museums or attendance at concerts.
Summer Component (June-July)
The summer component includes:

  • A six-week residence on the IWU campus.
  • Intensive morning academic classes in Math, Science, English and afternoon electives such as Drama, Computer Fundamentals, Job Shadowing, Spanish for Fun, Goal Setting, Decision Making, etc.
  • Evening recreation and activities.
  • Mandatory weekends for Olympiad activities with a different university host each year.
  • A trip to a large metropolitan city such as Chicago or Cincinnati.
Bridge Component

  • This is open to graduating seniors.
  • As a senior, you will participate with the Upward Bound students during the summer phase, while earning up to six hours of college credit at Indian Wesleyan University.
  • Credit can be transferred to another college or university.
Who Qualifies?

To become an Upward Bound student you must be in the eighth through tenth grades (sophomore year) of high school and meet specific eligibility requirements. These requirements include:

  • Being first generation (neither of your parents has a bachelors degree).
  • Coming from a low-income family as determined by standards set by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Showing you have the potential and motivation to succeed in college. A 2.0 grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale) in a college-bound curriculum should be maintained while in the Upward Bound program.
  • Possessing a strong desire to attend college.
  • Having the support and commitment of your parents.
How Are the Students Chosen?

Upward Bound seeks the student who may have average grades, but who, in other ways, shows potential for successful achievement at a post-secondary level, or the above-average student who would probably not go to college without the support of Upward Bound.

After the student completes the application and an assessment of his or her potential is received from a teacher or guidance counselor, a member of the Upward Bound staff will interview the prospective applicants and meet with their parents.

Upward Bound's History of Success

As of 1997, more than 90 percent of Upward Bound students in the U.S. continued their education at the college level. These and other nationwide statistics illustrate the success of students who have participated in Upward Bound projects.

Rules for acceptance and participation in this program are the same for all, without regard to race, color, or national origin.

TRIO

Who Will Be Involved in the Program?

Students from a five-county area will be eligible to participate. Schools represented are Blackford, Kokomo, Madison-Grant, Marion, Mississinewa, and Wabash.

How Do I Apply?

If you think you might be interested in the Upward Bound program or want to apply, contact your school counselor. You may also contact the Upward Bound office at Indiana Wesleyan University. You may fill out the pre-application online by clicking here. (NOTE: You must have Acrobat in order to view the application.)

About Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University (formerly Marion College) is located in Marion, Indiana, the county seat of Grant County. It is operated by The Wesleyan Church, which was organized in the 1840s as a reform movement advocating women's rights and the abolition of slavery.

Since 1980, the university has received federal funding for Student Support Services, also like Upward Bound, a TRIO program. Through SSS, Indiana Wesleyan students who meet certain federal guidelines have been provided an opportunity to succeed in a caring, nurturing environment. Upward Bound at IWU established in 1996 and seeks to provide the same opportunities for success to selected high school students.

Contact Us

UPWARD BOUND PROGRAM
Indiana Wesleyan University
4201 S. Washington Street
Marion, IN 46953-4974
CALL
1-765-677-2935
1-800-332-6901 ext. 2935